Thursday, February 25, 2016

Rebecca and Chris should have been planning their wedding, but with
Gerard gone and the other vampire leaders forcing Rebecca to take her
place as a clan leader, they had little time for such happy thoughts.
Their troubles worsen when Blake, a powerful vampire who had stayed
silent at first, comes forward to threaten Rebecca and those she
protects. If she marries Chris, a former vampire hunter, Blake will
declare war on her and anyone who supports her. The werewolves who
protected her and Gerard when they needed friends the most will suffer
if she loses her power and authority, so she cannot step down but
refuses to give in.

When Chris disappears, she tries to find Gerard. Did Chris leave to
protect her? Or had something worse happened? Would she find Gerard? And
even if she did, would he be able to help her?

Excerpt:

Remy Bouchard came
around the corner of the house and saw a stranger sitting on the deck. He
looked around. Thirty minutes ago, Rebecca had been out here. She’d said she
wanted to see him when he got a chance, so after running to the bank he’d come
back to see what she needed. The stranger turned around when she sensed him
standing there.

The blonde-haired,
blue-eyed woman was breathtaking in a blue sundress that fit her every curve
perfectly. Her golden hair fell in curly waves down her back. She smiled, and
he couldn’t help smiling back. But then he smelled her blood. She was a
vampire.

His smile faded.
“Can I help you, ma’am?”

Her gaze wandered
over him slowly. “Perhaps. You’re a magic user. And a werewolf, which is why
that lovely and captivating smile faded so quickly. I’m Lisbeth. I’m a clan
leader, and Galen wanted Rebecca to meet me.”

Remy released the
breath he’d been holding and let his muscles relax. “Right. I knew that. I
couldn’t read you though. I’m Remy Bouchard.”

“Nice to meet you.
You’re a powerful psychic too. My my. But I’m over two hundred years old and
had a powerful sire. You won’t be able to read me.” She smiled suggestively.
“You’re southern. I’m guessing Louisiana. Your accent’s fading, but down there
they know how to train a magic user.”

He tried to focus
on thoughts that did not involve her gorgeous breasts or full lips. “Yes, I’m a
lot of things, which means I need to stay away from you.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. Besides the
fact you’re lookin’ at me like you wanna eat me, I know magic users are
becomin’ rarer among vampires. I guess you could say I know my worth.” He tried
to remain guarded. This woman was old and powerful. He could feel it. He really
wished she weren’t so beautiful. He did not need that kind of complication
right now.

“I’m sorry if I’ve
offended you. I hope I see you again though. There’s something about you.”

“Let’s have coffee
one day then and see if my company is still so impressive. I mostly talk about
horror movies and novels, just so you’re warned.”

“Sounds wonderful.
I’ll refresh myself on the subject and hold you to that invitation.” She took a
few steps backward. “Coffee. A date.” She smiled again and disappeared.

No mist, no
transformation. She just vanished, confirming yet again she was very powerful.

“I was being
sarcastic,” he muttered to no one. He let out a heavy sigh. “Hell. What have I
done?”

He tried to look
on the bright side. Galen trusted her enough to send her to Rebecca alone. She
was beautiful. Those were two very good things. On the darker side, she was a
vampire. She was old and strong enough to keep him out of her mind. She
definitely wanted sex from him. Normally, that would be a good thing, but sex
with a vampire was not something he wanted to experience. The blood of a magic
user, whether a mortal or a werewolf or a vampire, drove vampires crazy. It did
nothing special for them, but it smelled and tasted heavenly because vampires
had been made with magic. It called to them. Luckily, it was so intoxicating a
vampire was sated with only a few sips, but he didn’t want an addict on his
hands. He’d been warned about vampires all his life, and his closest encounter
with a very interested female vampire had been the most terrifying of his life.

He walked into the
house to find Rebecca, hoping Lisbeth would lose interest before holding him to
his unintended invitation.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Blurb:
Once Morgaine, the queen of the vampires, was dead, Gerard and his
friends thought they would be safe. The vampires would go into hiding
and forget about them. Despite being born into one of the most powerful
vampire clans, Gerard had sided with the werewolves for over a year and
managed to survive. He didn’t count on an old enemy returning from
England with a powerful new ally. When someone precious is taken from
him, he is pushed so far past his breaking point he and his adopted
family realize just how far the war is from being over.

Gerard looked up
when Quentin walked into the room. The look on his face told Gerard something
had happened, something he wouldn’t like.

“What is it?”

Quentin sat down
on the couch. “Luna was in Ashes tonight.”

Ashes was the bar
Quentin had inherited from his father. He ran it with his brother-in-law Jason
now that Bella was trying to stay with Mary more. Most of the clientele was
human, but the werewolves who lived close enough to drive there did so often.
Vampires left them alone nowadays, even though in the past the bar had burned
suspiciously several times.

“You’re sure it
was her? And she didn’t try to hide it?”

“She came right up
to me and ordered two beers.”

“After sunset? She
really is turned?”

He nodded. “I
smelled her when she came in. She drank both beers herself and then left. No
one came in or left in that interval. She seemed to be alone.”

Gerard had been
able to handle Luna just fine when she was a stuck-up human. Now he had no way
of knowing how powerful she was. From what Galen had said, Michael sounded like
he was very powerful, possibly very old. Luna could have amazing powers if her
sire had them.

“She didn’t bother
anyone?”

“She smiled at one
guy, but he turned away. He’s a werewolf, and he lives downtown somewhere by
himself. His family’s gone, all dead. I might not have Bella’s power, but I
know he wanted nothing to do with Luna as soon as he smelled her.”

“She’ll come
around here, I’m sure. At least she can’t get in the house. If the spells
blocked Galen’s entry, they must still work.”

Quentin shook his
head. “Wish Roland had done something else right.”

Quentin was quiet
most of the time, so even after a year Gerard didn’t know him well. He and
Bella were opposites. He was reserved and cautious whereas she was bubbly and
took chances. He had brown hair and eyes, and everything about him was average.
Like Bella’s brother Jason, he tended to blend into the background. Gerard
couldn’t blame anyone born a werewolf in this world for being like that.
Something had been bothering him though.

“Simon doesn’t say
much about it. Do other werewolves resent Roland now they know what he did?”

Quentin nodded
slowly. “We could all be human, living human lives, if he hadn’t changed our
ancestors. Instead of using magic to make an army, he should have tried to
reason with his siblings. He hurt the human race the same way his father did.”

“Knowing the truth
hasn’t changed anything though. Vampires will never stop hating us. I’m sure lots
of them already knew the truth and laughed at us for believing the old legends
they probably fed us. And they’ll never change.” He looked down. “I can’t agree
with Galen’s optimism.”

“Rebecca’s going
to meet his family. We can’t stop her. Do you think she’s safe?”

After a moment,
Quentin said, “I trust Galen. He always smells old.”

“What do you
mean?”

“He hasn’t taken
blood from a human in a long time.”

Gerard nodded,
making a mental note to see if he could tell the difference the next time he
was near Galen. “We need to tell him about Luna. If she’s alone, he may be able
to do something. She’s too unpredictable, and now she has powers. Even though
she’s married now, he might still have authority as her clan’s leader.”

Quentin nodded.
“I’m not going to tell Bella yet. She never reads my mind without asking.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. She never
leaves the house without me lately. You can tell Aria, and maybe she can help
with that? She needs to go out more, even if she just came to the bar to see me
and her brother.”

Gerard nodded.
“Sure. I understand Bella’s caution, but she does need to get out some.”

“Thanks.” Quentin
got up to leave.

“Can I ask one
more thing?”

He stopped.
“Sure.”

“Do you resent me
for all that’s happened?” He felt nervous, mostly because he knew Quentin would
be honest with him.

Quentin looked
down at the floor for a long time. “Sometimes. But you’ve brought the worst of
it on yourself.”

“I know. Bella’s
going to have news for you when you get up there.”

“What?”

“Aria’s pregnant.”

Despite how well
Quentin hid most emotion, Gerard still saw a little anxiety on his face. “How
is she doing? Bella had to go on bed rest within a month.”

“Good, as far as
we can tell.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s
something else to worry about though.”

Quentin smiled.
“Something wonderful too.”

Gerard smiled. “I
know. I’m glad we’re here.”

“I am too. You’re
Mary’s favorite superhero.”

Gerard raised his
eyebrows. “Some superhero.”

“Look, I was being
honest. Some days, I wish you’d never met Lucas and chosen to become a
werewolf. But Simon’s right in a way. Everything happens for a reason. We all
want you and Aria here.”

“Thanks. That
means a lot.”

Quentin nodded and
went upstairs.

Gerard sat back
and looked up at the ceiling. That had been the longest conversation he’d ever
had with Quentin, and he was glad he’d taken the chance and asked. It
strengthened his resolve to take care of his adopted family.

Friday, February 5, 2016

The conclusion to The Year of Gods trilogy, and the fifteenth book set in Valladora, is here!

Blurb:

Dax lost his fated mate years ago, and he mourned William
far longer than anyone thought was healthy. But there was a reason no one knew
about. Dax fell in love with Quinn, William’s twin brother, and he's felt
guilty ever since he realized it. Yet as his brothers both find their own
mates, he sees that he can’t keep hiding his feelings simply because he fears
rejection.

After his twin died,
Quinn felt lost and alone, but Dax stood by him when he had no one else. Quinn
has moved on, but he feels as if Dax is still weighed down by William’s death.
The very idea tears Quinn up inside, and he’s determined to see Dax as happy as
he was when they first met. The vampire always looks sad and lost in thought,
and Quinn promises himself he won’t rest until he manages to help the best and
dearest friend he’s ever had.

This tale begins in the present, but read on below to find out how Dax and Quinn met 8 years earlier.

Excerpt:

Quinn stared at Lucky, who munched grass as if he’d done nothing wrong. The
horse didn’t seem to care that he’d thrown his rider into a ditch or that he
was being summoned.

Quinn clucked his tongue once more and called Lucky more firmly, and then he
gave up with a loud curse. He didn’t know if anything was broken, but he
certainly hurt all over. If the horse would only come closer, Quinn thought he
could pull himself up easily enough. But Lucky refused to move away from the
meal he’d found.

“You look as if you need help.”

Quinn looked up and saw a vampire approaching. He didn’t recognize the man,
but the flowing silk robes and white irises gave his status away. Quinn felt a
bit of fear in the pit of his stomach, but the vampire’s kind smile helped to
quell it. He felt ashamed being afraid of vampires at the age of twenty-two,
but he’d never been completely able to shake the irrational emotion.

The man knelt and smiled again. “I’m Dax. Are you hurt? I can help you.”

“I’m not sure. My legs and back sort of hurt. I was just going along, and
Lucky threw me for no reason.”

Dax nodded to the tree line. “I was in the woods there, observing some
birds. Perhaps he scented me or my horse and panicked.”

Lucky disproved that theory when he came over and nuzzled against Dax. The
vampire pushed him away. “Or maybe not.”

Quinn sighed as Lucky moved back to his patch of grass. “He’s a bit odd.
Always has been. But he was cheap.” He regretted the words right away. Vampires
never had to worry about those kinds of things, and he didn’t want Dax to think
he’d meant anything by the comment.

Dax gave him a sympathetic look, which surprised Quinn. “We all have to make
do at times.” He extended his hand. “Will you try to stand so we can see if
you’re hurt? My own horse is tethered not too far away. I could take you home.”

“Thank you, my lord.” He took Dax’s hand.

The vampire made a face. “I hate being called that, but I know it’s proper.”
He sighed as he pulled Quinn up. “Sometimes I hate that, too.”

“What?”

“Being proper.”

Quinn winced as a pain shot through his left leg. “I think I am hurt.” He
stumbled a bit.

Dax helped him back to the ground. “Let me look.”

Quinn blushed, extremely embarrassed as Dax took his boot off and looked at
his ankle, which was purple and swollen. The vampire’s eyes flicked up and over
the rest of him. “You’re bleeding, too. I can smell it.”

Quinn trembled at that, and Dax gave him another sympathetic look. “You seem
afraid of me. Please don’t be. I know some vampires are cruel and treat humans
badly, but I’m not like that.”

“You’re … being very kind. Forgive me. I’ve always been scared of vampires.
It’s stupid. I have no reason to be. Our lord here is good and generous.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Dax’s eyes fixed on Quinn’s stomach. “There, I
think. I see some blood on your shirt.”

Quinn lifted up his shirt and saw a short gash there on his side. “It’s
nothing. Should stop bleeding in no time.”

“I could heal it, if you like.”

Quinn’s head filled with a vision of the handsome vampire licking his
stomach, and he felt the color drain from his face. “That’s all right. I’m
fine.”

Dax chuckled. “Here. It’s a bit gross, but,” he licked his finger and ran it
over the small wound, which healed right away, “it’s effective.” He eyed Quinn
and grinned at him. “Did you think I was flirting? You are very handsome, but
I’m not like most vampires in that way, seducing everything in sight. I’m sort
of waiting for my fated mate.”

“You’re waiting?” Quinn couldn’t tell how old the vampire was, of course,
but he was certainly old enough to have had lovers. He hadn’t managed to hide
the surprise in his voice, and he pressed his lips together, wondering if he
should apologize for being rude.

Dax pushed his dark hair behind his ears and said, “Well, sort of, as I
said. I’m no virgin, but I don’t jump every person who arouses me.”

Quinn smiled nervously, glad Dax wasn’t offended. “Like the king?”

Dax laughed much louder this time. “Yes, I am nothing like Jareth.” He glanced down the road. “Let me get my
horse and get you settled on him. Then we can head to your home. Do you live
with anyone?”

Quinn nodded. “Yes, my twin brother, William.”

“Twins?” He stood and started walking off. “Good thing I’m not Jareth. He
wouldn’t be able to resist.”

Quinn watched the vampire walk away before looking to Lucky again. He felt
bad inconveniencing Dax, but he was grateful for the man’s kindness. When he
returned a moment later, Dax very kindly, and patiently, helped Quinn onto the
horse. Then he took Lucky’s reins as well and led both horses down the road, following
Quinn’s instructions.

William came running out as they approached, his light blond hair flying
around him. He clutched a bloody rag to his hand, but his gaze went straight to
Quinn’s ankle, which was only getting bigger as blood rushed to it. “What
happened?”

“Lucky threw me,” Quinn said, tossing his boot down so he could grip the
saddle better and throw his other leg over.

“Stupid horse,” William said as he hastily wrapped his hand and moved to let
Quinn lean on him as he slid off the horse. “Thank you for bringing him home,
my lord.”

Dax stood there, motionless and speechless.

“Is everything all right?” William asked as he steadied Quinn beside him.

Dax blinked and moved to tie the horses up. “Yes. Fine.”

William stared at the vampire’s back a moment before helping Quinn in. “Odd
fellow,” he whispered.

“He wasn’t like that a minute ago. He was very friendly and open,” Quinn
said in a low voice as he tried to hop to keep up with William.

They both glanced back as they made it inside. Dax stood between the two
tethered horses, staring down at the ground.

“Maybe he was friendlier because he likes you.” William grinned as he helped
Quinn to the small sofa by the fireplace. “Lucky you. He’s handsome. Well
built.”

William unwrapped his hand. “Dropped a knife and stupidly reached to grab it
as it fell instead of letting it fall. It’s not too deep, but it bled a lot.”
His brows furrowed as he looked up. “Maybe the scent of my blood bothered him.”

“The scent of your blood did affect me,” Dax said from the doorway. “But it
isn’t bothering me, not the way you think.”

William stood and took a few steps toward Dax. “What do you mean?”

“Here, let me heal it for you.” Dax reached for William’s hand.

William hesitated a moment. “You don’t have to, my lord, though I’d be
honored.”

Dax stepped closer and took William’s hand. “No, I’m the one who’d be
honored.” He held William’s gaze, his irises going black.

William gasped, and Quinn couldn’t help staring. Vampires had white irises
that changed color with their moods. The meanings of each color varied with
each vampire, just as personality traits did in humans, but two colors had the
same meaning for all of them. Red indicated anger or the need for blood, and
black indicated sexual desire.

Dax smiled. “My name is Dax, and I’m very pleased to meet you, William, because
you’re my mate.” Without waiting for William to respond, Dax raised William’s
hand and licked the wound, never breaking the eye contact.

Quinn looked away, feeling as if he shouldn’t be there. He closed his eyes
when his brother let out a moan, and he really wished something besides his
ankle had been hurt so he could leave the room. When he heard nothing else, he
chanced a look over at them, only to turn away again when he saw they stood in
a close embrace, kissing deeply.

“Gods above,” William whispered a moment later.

Dax cleared his throat. “Sorry. Got carried away.”

“Oh, feel free to carry me anywhere,” William said in a husky, flirtatious
tone.

Quinn dared to look over at them again. “I’d have gotten up and left if I
could have.”

“We were just kissing,” William said with an eye roll. “I’ve come close to
doing worse in front of you.”

Quinn tried to smile, but he felt awkward being there when Dax and William
probably wanted to be alone.

“Now I know why I liked you so much, Quinn,” Dax said as he took William’s
hand and led him over to the chairs across from Quinn. After they sat down, he
focused on Quinn again. “I’m usually shy. Serious. I was curious as to why I
was able to joke and feel at ease with you when we just met, and it must be
because you two are twins. You were bleeding, and maybe I scented your blood.
It happens often with twins.”

“Really?” Quinn asked.

Dax nodded. “Yes. It’s nothing like the mate bond, but there’s something in
your blood that’s similar. Here in this very dominion, a few generations ago,
Lord Petrus suffered from the Dissolution. His fated mate was dead, so everyone
thought Petrus would die.”

The Dissolution was the only disease vampires could get. It stopped the
“second heart”, the special gland that regenerated their blood and granted them
long life. It wasn’t always fatal, but most vampires who couldn’t drink from
their fated mates did die from the disease.

“But he didn’t?” William said.

“No. His children sent for their uncle, Petrus’s mate’s twin brother,
because they thought their father was going to die. The uncle was to be their
guardian until they came of age. Everyone had given up hope. The man offered
his blood at some point while he sat by Petrus’s bedside, just to ease his pain
and comfort him, and Petrus began to recover. It wasn’t just coincidence.
Petrus had been very close to death. Once a vampire becomes so weak that it’s
bedridden, not just anyone’s blood will do.”

“But we’re not both your mates, right?” William waggled his eyebrows. “That
would be kind of kinky.”

“William! Don’t be so flippant. Matehood is a serious thing,” Quinn said,
his face flaming in shame.

William snorted as he laughed. “Sorry. I was just curious. And it was only a
joke.”

Dax smoothed his robes and gave William what Quinn thought was an indulgent
smile. “No. We get one mate each, which is why I feel very blessed. I almost
stayed inside today, and I’m so glad I didn’t.”

“Yes. And I was supposed to be leaving tomorrow. If Lucky hadn’t thrown you,
we wouldn’t have met, and I’d never have come here.” He smiled warmly at Quinn
before turning to William and taking his hand. “And I might never have found
you,” he said in a softer voice.

After some more small talk, Dax seemed to take pity on Quinn. He definitely
appeared sympathetic to Quinn’s discomfort even as William dismissed it and
went on teasing him. Quinn knew it was how his brother showed affection, but at
times it grew tiresome. They made sure Quinn was comfortable and then went out
for a walk. William didn’t return until almost midnight.

“Isn’t he amazing?” William said as he stirred the fire and sat on the hearth
near Quinn.

“Yes, I liked him.”

“You’re going to have to stop being scared of vampires now. There’ll be tons
at our matehood celebration.”

“Yes. He’s so wonderful.” William finally seemed to remember that Quinn was
hurt. “How’re you feeling?”

“Fine.” He wiggled his ankle. “Still hurts, but the swelling has gone down.”

“Dax could give you some of his blood. He’ll be like a brother to you now,
too.”

“I’d rather not. That’s a bit too … intimate.”

William laughed. “Look, I’m sorry I embarrassed you, but he’s just so sexy.
Gods, I wanted to drag him back here and fuck him senseless. He’s such a
gentleman. I made it clear we could go ahead and sleep together, but he said he
wants to wait.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being a gentleman.”

“But we’re fated mates! What’s the point in waiting?”

Quinn bit his tongue to keep from saying something hurtful. Instead, he
said, “Maybe he wishes to know you better to make it sweeter. More meaningful.”
William often fell into bed with lovers too quickly, and Quinn didn’t think it
was always wise.

William raised one eyebrow. “Perhaps the gods should’ve fated him to you.
You two would suit better. Plus, it would save you the trouble of putting forth
any effort.”

Quinn sighed in exasperation. He’d only been with one girl, and in that
relationship she’d been the one to take the lead. While Quinn could appreciate
male beauty and did think the vampire handsome, he’d never really desired a man
that way. William teased him all the time because he’d had dozens of lovers
since losing his virginity at the age of fifteen while Quinn had trouble even
talking with women. With anyone, really. Quinn fixed his brother with a serious
look and said, “Don’t joke like that around him. You might hurt his feelings.
He seems…”

“Seems what?”

“I don’t know. Sensitive? Empathetic?”

“Why do you say that?”

“He just seemed to sense when I was uncomfortable or nervous. Even when you
acted oblivious, he tried to say and do things to make me more comfortable
earlier. You might not have noticed, but I did. He even knew I was scared of
him, and he was very kind about it.”

“He is kind. And handsome. And wonderful. I love him already.”

“After one day?”

William rolled his eyes and groaned. “Gods, a handsome man falls into my lap
and you’re going to be skeptical? We’re fated mates. The gods want us to be
together, and I can’t wait to spend every night in his arms.” He leaned forward
and grinned. “He was a gentleman, but he was aroused. And I’m not just talking
about his eyes. When he kissed me outside before he left, I felt him pressed
against me. He’s huge! I can’t wait to let him sink—”

“Would you stop it?” Quinn said much more loudly than he’d intended.

William stopped talking and shook his head. “One day, you’re going to fall
in love. Then you’ll see. Maybe you won’t be raving about the guy’s cock, but
when you fall, it’s going to be hard.”

“I don’t imagine it’ll be a man,” Quinn said.

“You never know. Maybe you’re fated to one of Dax’s brothers! He has two of
them. And with the twin thing, who knows?” The excitement showed in his eyes.
“Think about it. It would make perfect sense. The gods know better than to
separate you and me.”

Quinn couldn’t help chuckling at that idea. “Well, please don’t invite them
to bite me when we meet them, all right?”

William stood and offered to help Quinn to bed. “I’m only trying to help you
enjoy life. If it weren’t for me, you’d never do anything. Never go anywhere.”

Once Quinn was settled in bed, William sat by him and went on. “I miss Mom
and Dad, too, but we have our own lives. We can both have families. I’ll be
mated to Dax, and you can get married. Have children. Maybe Dax likes children
and will want to adopt. Lots of same sex fated pairs adopt. Wouldn’t you love
that? Our children playing together and being the best of friends?”

Quinn couldn’t help softening. “Yes, I would love that.”

“Good.” William stood and stretched, a goofy grin on his face. “And you can
doubt all you want, but I do love him already. I want you to love him as well.”

“I’ve already said I like him. And if he makes you happy then of course I’ll
love him.”

William practically bounced out of the room, and Quinn relaxed down into the
covers before dimming the oil lamp by the bed. They’d woken up expecting an
ordinary day, yet their day had turned out to be anything but.